SATV, Kathmandu, July. 08

At a glance

Argentina deliver astonishing second-half comeback to defeat Egypt in World Cup last 16.

Late goals from Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernandez send holders into last eight

Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Zico had given Egypt a 2-0 lead

Messi misses first-half penalty in Atlanta

Argentina survived another almighty scare before delivering a scarcely believable second-half comeback to break Egypt hearts and reach the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup.

The reigning world champions - sent to extra time by Cape Verde in the last round - had looked set for a shock exit against the Pharaohs, who led 2-0 thanks to goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Zico.

But Cristian Romero halved the deficit 11 minutes from time before Lionel Messi – who had missed a first-half penalty in Atlanta – equalised five minutes later and set up a nail-biting finish.

Enzo Fernandez completed the comeback two minutes into injury time, heading home Lautaro Martinez's cross to set up a quarter-final tie against Colombia or Switzerland.